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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11If Windows says “You need an extension to use this file” when you open an HEVC/H.265 video, try Microsoft’s free HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer listing, product ID 9N4WGH0Z6VHQ. It is not available for every PC. If Microsoft Store does not offer it, Microsoft’s regular HEVC Video Extensions app is the paid consumer option; Microsoft’s Photos documentation currently describes its price as $0.99.
What to download
| Package | Microsoft Store product ID | Price or status | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer | 9N4WGH0Z6VHQ | Free when eligible | Devices with compatible hardware HEVC support |
| HEVC Video Extensions | 9NMZLZ57R3T7 | Paid app; Microsoft currently documents it as $0.99 | When the free listing is unavailable or rejected |
| HEIF Image Extensions | 9PMMSR1CGPWG | Free | Often needed alongside HEVC for .HEIC photos |
The free package is a Microsoft Store app, not a codec file to download from an unofficial site. Store availability can depend on device compatibility, region, account settings, and organization policy.
Method 1: Open the free listing directly
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Enter ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9N4WGH0Z6VHQ.
- Press Enter. If prompted, choose Microsoft Store.
- On the HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer page, select Get or Install if offered.
- Close and reopen the video app. Restart Windows if it still does not detect the codec.
If the listing has no install button, the Store may consider it unavailable for your device, account, region, or Windows configuration. The URI does not bypass those checks.
Method 2: Open the listing from Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt and run:
start ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9N4WGH0Z6VHQ
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- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 4096x2304, 30fps, 200mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
This opens the same Store page; it does not force an otherwise ineligible installation.
Method 3: Search Microsoft Store
- Open Start and launch Microsoft Store.
- Search for HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer.
- Select the result published by Microsoft Corporation.
- Select Get or Install.
Use the complete product name. Searching only for “HEVC” may show the paid app first.
Install with WinGet
If App Installer and WinGet are available, run this command in Command Prompt or PowerShell:
winget install –id 9N4WGH0Z6VHQ -s msstore
To address the paid package, run:
winget install –id 9NMZLZ57R3T7 -s msstore
The msstore source uses Microsoft Store product IDs. Store packages may require license or account prompts. Administrator privileges do not bypass region, hardware, Store policy, or licensing restrictions. If winget is not recognized, update or install App Installer through Microsoft Store; Microsoft distributes WinGet with that package.
Why the free package may not be available
HEVC, also called H.265, is a video compression format used by newer phones, cameras, streaming services, and 4K video equipment. The free device-manufacturer extension is intended for computers with hardware support for HEVC decoding. Microsoft’s Store description identifies compatible hardware such as Intel 7th-generation Core processors and newer GPUs, but this is not a universal compatibility guarantee. Support can depend on the graphics device, driver, OEM configuration, video profile, resolution, and bit depth.
Rank #2
- 【UPGRADED 4K@30Hz H.265 HEVC Decoding】Equipped with advanced H.265/HEVC decoding technology, this 4K media player delivers sharper ultra-HD images and much smoother playback than conventional H.264 and 1080P players. It effectively reduces frame stuttering, blurriness and lagging visuals, bringing you fluent and immersive viewing experience for both commercial signage and home theater use.
- 【Versatile HDMI RCA Output & Multi-Media Playback】Featuring standard HDMI output, the player can be easily connected to TVs, monitors, projectors and more display devices. 4K media player supports direct playback of local videos, background music, photo slideshows and business presentations via USB drives or SD cards, meeting your daily entertainment and office demonstration needs.
- 【Large Storage Support & Broad System Compatibility】Digital media player supports USB hard drives up to 8TB and SD cards up to 1TB, and is fully compatible with mainstream file systems including FAT32, exFAT and NTFS. Supported formats include: H.265/HEVC (MKV, MOV, AVI), MPEG, FLV, RM, 3GP, MP4, WMV, RMVB, DAT, MPG, TS, M2TS, JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, MP3, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC, WMA, etc.
- 【Smart Custom Playback Modes & Screen Orientation】Packed with practical playback functions: auto-play on power-up, resume playback from last stopped point, repeat/loop playback, sequential photo/video display and random music playback. It supports both horizontal and vertical screen display, perfectly fitting customized advertising broadcast and daily playback demands.
- 【Wide Application Scenarios】Built with high-quality zinc alloy shell, this compact and portable HDMI media player features outstanding heat dissipation, wear resistance and stable long-term operation. It is ideal for home theater, office presentations, restaurant digital signage, lobby welcome screens, art galleries and museum exhibition installations.
The Store may hide or block the listing if the device is incompatible, the app is unavailable in the region, account or organization settings restrict it, or the listing is temporarily unavailable. The paid HEVC Video Extensions app is Microsoft’s consumer option when the free package is unavailable. Microsoft describes it as providing software support on systems without hardware HEVC support, though performance can vary with video resolution and PC performance.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 differences
Windows 10
HEVC is not included in every Windows 10 installation. Microsoft’s Photos documentation directs users who see an extension error to install HEIF and HEVC extensions from Microsoft Store. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical support, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date. Store installation may still work on a particular PC.
Windows 11
Microsoft’s Windows 11 version 22H2 documentation says HEVC support became available beginning with that release. Microsoft’s codec documentation also describes H.265 as available through the corresponding optional codec pack. A Windows version alone does not guarantee that every application can decode every HEVC file. If an app requests an extension, install the required extension or use a player with its own decoder.
Windows N editions: install Media Feature Pack first
Windows 10 N and Windows 11 N omit media technologies included with standard Windows editions. Install Media Feature Pack first; additional codecs, including HEVC and HEIF extensions, may still need to be installed from Microsoft Store.
Windows 11 N
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Optional features.
- Next to Add an optional feature, select View features.
- Select Media Feature Pack, then select Next and Add.
- Restart Windows.
Windows 10 N
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Select Optional features, then Add a feature.
- Select Media Feature Pack, then select Install.
- Restart Windows.
HEIC photos need HEIF as well as HEVC
HEVC alone may not open .heic or other HEIF photographs. Microsoft’s Photos guidance says both HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions may be required. HEIF is the image format/container; HEVC is the video compression technology commonly used inside HEIF photographs. Installing one does not necessarily install the other.
Rank #3
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- HDMI 4K/60fps Ultra-HD Quality - The ATOM 4K offers stunning video quality through its HDMI output that supports up to 2160p/60Hz resolution, with support for the latest video formats such as H.265/HEVC. It can feed digital surround sound to your home theater receiver for a cinema-like listening experience. Additionally, the ATOM 4K provides analog AV output for connecting to an older TV, or for sending audio to a stereo system.
- Reads USB Drives and SD Cards - Simply copy your videos, photos, or music files onto a USB drive or an SD card, insert it into the ATOM 4K, and you are ready to play those files using an easy-to-navigate menu. Got a lot of media files? No problem! The ATOM 4K can read USB drives up to 4TB or Micro SD cards up to 512GB. Popular file systems are supported, including FAT32, exFAT and NTFS.
- Fully Automatic Playback - Turn on its automatic playback feature and the ATOM 4K will find and play media files on its own without any user input. It will also remember where you stopped watching on a video and resume playing from the stop point. Combined with the ability to loop and repeat videos continuously, the ATOM 4K is a perfect player for simple digital signage.
- Media Format Support - Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, TS/TP, MOV, VOB, and M2TS files using H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, VC1 or MPEG2/4 codecs, up to 4096x2304p@60fps resolution, 10-bit color, and 250mbps. Photos: JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF (non-animated), PNG. Music: MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC
To open the free HEIF listing, press Win + R and enter ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9PMMSR1CGPWG, then install it through Microsoft Store.
What installing HEVC does not guarantee
The Microsoft extension enables HEVC playback in applications that use the Windows media codec stack. It is not a universal decoder that every program must use. An app may rely on a built-in decoder, separate licensing, a hardware decoder with limited profile or bit-depth support, or a media framework that does not recognize Store codecs. VLC and some other third-party players include their own decoders, so they generally do not require Microsoft’s extension for playback.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteA video can still fail because of unsupported audio, container metadata, HDR format, profile, level, 10-bit decoding, file permissions, or application-specific limitations.
Fix “This app will not work on your device”
This message usually means the free device-manufacturer package is not eligible for the current PC or Store configuration. Try these checks:
- Confirm the title is HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer, not a similarly named third-party app.
- Install pending Windows updates and restart.
- Check that your Microsoft Store and Windows regions are correct.
- Sign in to Microsoft Store with an account that can install Store apps.
- Try the regular paid HEVC Video Extensions listing if the free package remains unavailable.
- On a work or school PC, ask the administrator whether Store access is blocked.
Microsoft Store automatically hides or blocks installation controls for apps it considers incompatible. Downloading an unofficial codec installer is not a reliable workaround.
Rank #4
- [Smooth 4K Ultra HD Playback] This 4K@30Hz HDMI digital media player utilizes H.265/HEVC decoding technology, enabling playback of videos up to 4096×2304 resolution compared to H.264 or 1080P, delivering a clearer and smoother picture.
- [Plug and Play] The HD media player is easy to use, requiring no WiFi or app. It supports direct playback/copying/deletion of videos, music, photos, PPTs, and PDFs from USB storage devices or Micro SD cards. Equipped with dual USB ports, this media player can also connect to a mouse/keyboard or speakers.
- [HDMI RCA Optical Outputs] This media player connects to TVs, digital signage displays, or projectors via an HDMI port for crisp 4K video playback. The player also comes with analog RCA output to hook up legacy older TVs and monitors, plus built-in optical audio port to transmit lossless digital surround sound to soundbars, amplifiers and home theater audio systems, delivering immersive high-fidelity audio without signal loss.
- [TV Projector or Digital Signage] This 4K media player supports autoplay, loop playback, and shuffle playback, and supports both landscape and portrait display modes. HDMI media player can run continuously, making it ideal for TV projector or digital signage such as restaurant welcome videos, reception videos, and art and museum installations.
- [Extensive Compatibility] This media player for TV can play media files from USB hard drives up to 8TB in capacity or micro SD cards up to 1TB in capacity. Supported file systems include FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS. Supported formats include: H.265/HEVC (MKV, MOV, AVI), MPEG, FLV, RM, 3GP, MP4, WMV, RMVB, DAT, MPG, TS, M2TS, JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, MP3, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC, WMA, etc.
Fix a Store installation that stalls
- Press Win + R.
- Enter wsreset.exe and select OK.
- Wait for the blank Command Prompt window to close and Microsoft Store to reopen.
- Try the HEVC installation again.
Also check Windows Update, date and time, location settings, and your internet connection. Restart Windows after recent updates before retrying. On managed PCs, Store access may be disabled by policy; firewall or proxy restrictions can also prevent packages from downloading or updating.
Fix an app that still cannot open the video
- Close the affected application completely and reopen it, then restart Windows if needed.
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10.
- Find the affected Microsoft app and select Advanced options.
- Select Repair. If that does not help, select Reset.
Repair and Reset are not available for every app. If only one file fails, test another HEVC video. The original file may use an unsupported audio track, HDR mode, profile, level, or 10-bit format rather than having a missing codec.
FAQ
Is the HEVC Video Extension free on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
The free Microsoft listing is HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer, product ID 9N4WGH0Z6VHQ, but Store eligibility is not universal. The regular HEVC Video Extensions listing, product ID 9NMZLZ57R3T7, is paid; Microsoft currently describes it as $0.99 in its Photos documentation.
How do I install the free HEVC extension?
Press Win + R, enter ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9N4WGH0Z6VHQ, and press Enter. Choose Microsoft Store if prompted, then select Get or Install if available.
Why is the free HEVC extension unavailable on my PC?
Microsoft Store may restrict it because of hardware compatibility, Windows build, region, account settings, organization policy, or listing availability. The free package is intended for devices with compatible hardware HEVC support.
Best Value
- 【SIMPLE, POWERFUL, COMPACT】- Easily play videos, photos, and music files from USB drives, hard drives, and SD cards. Simple and intuitive to use with no complicated settings. Takes up very little space - it’s smaller than a deck of playing cards!
- 【FULL-HD VIDEO PLAYBACK】- Stunning HDMI video quality up to 1080p/60Hz with support for the latest video formats such as H.265/HEVC. Feeds digital surround sound to home theater receivers for a cinema-like movie experience. Includes analog AV output for connecting to an older TV or for sending audio to a stereo system.
- 【READS USB DRIVES AND SD CARDS】- Reads USB flash drives and hard drives up to 8TB and SD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file systems. Automatic playback, continuous looping and repeat, and the ability to resume video playback from the last stop point.
- 【TRIGGER SENSOR INPUT】- Ability to loop one video continuously and play a different video when triggered by an optional push-button or motion sensor. Build an interactive digital signage display, art gallery or museum on-demand video player, or a Halloween special effect in just a few steps. Push-button and motion sensors sold separately.
- 【MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT】 - Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, TS/TP, MOV, VOB, and M2TS files using H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, VC1, or MPEG2/4 codecs, up to 1920x1080p@60fps, 10-bit color, and 100mbps. Photos: JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF (non-animated), PNG. Music: MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC
Do I need HEVC and HEIF extensions for HEIC photos?
Often, yes. Microsoft’s Photos guidance says HEIC images may require both HEIF Image Extensions and HEVC Video Extensions. The free HEIF product ID is 9PMMSR1CGPWG.
Does Windows 11 already include HEVC?
Some Windows 11 releases provide HEVC support, but the Windows version alone does not guarantee that every application can decode every HEVC file. An app may still request the extension or use a separate decoder.
Can VLC play HEVC without Microsoft’s extension?
Usually, yes. VLC and some other third-party players include their own HEVC decoder. Microsoft’s extension is mainly relevant to Windows apps that use the Windows codec stack.
What should I do if the extension installs but the video still will not play?
Close and reopen the app, restart Windows, and use Repair or Reset if available. Test another file too; unsupported audio, HDR, profile, level, 10-bit video, container metadata, or permissions can cause playback failure.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Photos app video-editor file-type error
- Microsoft Support: Microsoft Store app availability and installation
- Microsoft Support: Get apps from Microsoft Store
- Microsoft Learn: WinGet install command
- Microsoft Support: Media Feature Pack for Windows N
- Microsoft Learn: Supported codecs
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